Even before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), owned by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta, has suffered a major setback. On the other hand, fans of Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led and defending champions Chennai Super Kings can get great news in a day or two.
KKR mentor David Hussey told in a virtual press conference on 23 March 2022 that the team’s legendary foreign players Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch have been ruled out of the first 5 matches of the tournament. Both these cricketers are part of the Australian team in the series against Pakistan. KKR will start its campaign in IPL 2022 on 26 March. The opening match of the tournament is to be played between him and Chennai Super Kings.
The absence of Aaron Finch and Pat Cummins is a big blow for KKR. Pat Cummins has played 37 matches in IPL so far. Out of these, he has taken 38 wickets. At the same time, 316 runs have also been scored at an average of 19.75. Aaron Finch Have played 87 matches in IPL. In this, he has scored 2005 runs at an average of 25.70. His highest score is 88 not out.
On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan told that the team will not get the services of Moeen Ali in their opening match. Actually, this England all-rounder has not yet got an Indian visa. However, he also said that visa can be obtained in 1-2 days.
Kasi Viswanathan told PTI, ‘It is certain that Moeen Ali will not be able to play in the first match. He hasn’t got a visa yet. We and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) are trying. Hope the matter will be resolved in a day or two. It is disappointing that he has not been able to join the team till now. The prescribed procedures are followed for players of Pakistan origin. This seems to be the reason (for the delay).’ Moin’s grandfather had migrated to England from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, but Moin was born in England. He often visits India.
Kasi Viswanathan said that even if he reaches India on Thursday, he will still not be able to play in the first match due to the quarantine rules set for the IPL. They said, ‘Moeen Ali will have to be in isolation for three days to enter the bio-secure environment of IPL. In such a situation, even if he gets a visa on March 24, he will not be able to play in the first match.
Moeen played a key role in helping Chennai win the fourth IPL title. Perhaps that is why the team retained him along with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja and Rituraj Gaikwad ahead of the auction. Moin scored 357 runs in 15 matches and took six wickets in IPL 2021.